Let Them Come
A family must cope with increased terrorist violence in Algeria in the drama Let Them Come. Noureddine (Amazigh Kateb) is a man living in Algiers, who follows his mother’s bedside wishes and marries Yasmina (Rachida Brakni), even though he is not sure if he truly loves her. However, the familiar faces greater problems as Islamist militants begin staging acts of terror, which becomes progressively worse over the course of the next decade.
Let Them Come is a drama that takes place in Algeria between 1989 and 1998. This period of Algerian history is now known as the “Dark Decade” or the “Years of Terrorism,” where Islamic extremists began to rule the streets of Algiers. At the core the story is the relationship between Noureddine and Yasmina, who initially marry solely to satisfy Noureddine’s dying mother’s wishes, however they find themselves progressively growing closer over the years, as the violence around them become more intense.
There are some moments in Let Them Come, which can be particularly hard to watch. This is indeed a very gritty film, with some disturbing images, including bloody bodies on the streets. The film features a particularly devastating ending, which is probably going to leave many viewers shaken. However, the fact that the film is disturbing, doesn’t hinder the fact that Let Them Come is a fine piece of Algerian cinema, which documents a horrendous period in the country’s history.
★ ★ ★ ★ | LIKED IT
Screenings:
- Friday, September 11, 3:45 PM – TIFF Bell Lightbox 3 (Extended Q&A)
- Saturday, September 19, 6:00 PM – Scotiabank Theatre 9
